Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) skipper Safiq Rahim admits his team's focus will switch to securing direct qualification for the 2019 AFC Champions League (ACL), following the 5-2 thrashing by Muang Thong United in this year's Second Preliminary Round.

An early capitulation from the Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions on Tuesday night saw them 3-0 down by the half-hour mark, effectively ending their ACL dream for another year.

They still have the AFC Cup to aim for as they go into a group featuring Singapore's...

Muang Thong United striker Heberty Fernandes put on an attacking masterclass as the Thais thumped Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 5-2 in a surprisingly one-sided AFC Champions League (ACL) Second Preliminary Round.

JDT's defensive frailty was ruthlessly exposed by Heberty and his teammates, with the Brazilian netting twice, while Sarach Yooyen, Tristan Do and Theerathon Bunmathan also got on the scoresheet.

Pereyra Diaz pulled two back in added time for the beleaguered visitors to salvage some...

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) skipper Safiq Rahim hopes his team can take inspiration from Malaysia's under-23 side as they look to reach the AFC Champions League (ACL) playoff round when they face Muang Thong United in the Second Preliminary Round on Tuesday.

The Young Tigers defied expectations to reach the quarterfinals of the AFC U23 Championship in China, defeating Asian giants Saudi Arabia before losing narrowly to South Korea.

And Safiq believes that JDT can be the next Malaysian side to upset...

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) midfielder Hariss Harun has warned his teammates not to underestimate AFC Champions League (ACL) opponents Muang Thong United, despite the Thai club having lost some key players.

The Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions take on the Thai League runners up in the ACL's second preliminary round on Jan. 23, with the winners progressing to a playoff against Kashiwa Reysol in Japan.

And Singapore international Hariss is convinced that Muang Thong still have the quality and experience...